The rear-end collision law in Louisiana requires that drivers keep a reasonable following distance, including having care for the current speed of all vehicles, the traffic conditions, and the condition of the highway. Under this law, the rear driver may be presumed to be liable for a rear-end accident, but this presumption can be rebutted depending on the circumstances of the accident.
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New Orleans Rear-End Collision Lawyer
Rear-End Collision Attorney in New Orleans, LA
Rear-end accidents can lead to whiplash, concussions, and other trauma to the neck, head, and back. At high speeds or involving larger vehicles, these collisions can have catastrophic consequences. If you were involved in a rear-end accident, it is important that you work with a skilled New Orleans rear-end collision lawyer.
While in many rear-end collisions the rear driver is to blame, this may not always be the case. Whether you were in a crash on Canal Street or the I-10, a lawyer helps you investigate the cause of the crash in order to hold the right party liable for your damages—consistent with how Louisiana’s fault rules treat following distance and comparative fault. It also helps to be aware of the Louisiana car accident laws that can influence how fault and compensation are determined.
Protecting Your Financial Future With Murphy Law Firm
When you are in a car accident in New Orleans, it can be difficult to know what to do next. At Murphy Law Firm, we have spent 30 years helping people like you navigate the next steps of a car accident claim. We know how to investigate these accidents and review the possible avenues you have for compensation. An experienced New Orleans car accident lawyer can also coordinate medical documentation, insurance communications, and litigation strategy when needed. Our firm has successfully secured a car accident verdict for $18.9 million. When you bring us your case, we offer compassionate and dedicated representation.
What Commonly Leads to Rear-End Collisions in New Orleans?
There were 1,215 rear-end collisions in Orleans Parish in 2024, according to the Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), most of which were suspected injury crashes, but two of which were fatal crashes. There are several acts of negligence or hazards that can lead to rear-end accidents. They can happen in New Orleans for some of the following reasons:
- Distracted driving. When a driver is distracted, they are less likely to notice changes on the road, such as other drivers changing lanes, sudden congestion, or animals in the road. Distracted drivers who miss these changes are likely to cause a rear-end accident.In New Orleans, distracted or inattentive crashes included five fatal injury crashes, 52 suspected serious injury crashes, and 305 suspected minor injury crashes, according to CARTS. Distracted drivers can be distracted by phones, a GPS, audio entertainment, scenery, a passenger, or even daydreams.
- Tailgating and reckless driving. Tailgating is a common reason for rear-end accidents. It means the rear driver does not have enough time to react to traffic changes. Other reckless actions, such as sudden lane changes, speeding, or aggressive driving, can also result in a rear-end accident.
- Driving under the influence. Being impaired by drugs or alcohol while driving makes it harder to react quickly or make decisions. This can lead to rear-end accidents if an impaired driver cannot react quickly enough to stop.
- Mechanical failures. Failures of important vehicle components can cause rear-end accidents, especially issues like tire blowouts, brake failures, or brake light failures. These issues can be caused by manufacturer defects. They can also be the result of a vehicle owner failing to get important maintenance done.
- Fatigued driving. Driving while tired can limit the reaction speeds of drivers or even result in a driver falling asleep at the wheel. This can lead to dangerous rear-end accidents.
- Road construction. Sudden stops are common for construction zones, and drivers have to remain cautious on the road, or a rear-end accident could occur. However, sometimes there are insufficient signs warning of construction or other unsafe circumstances, and the construction company may be liable for a crash.
- Inclement weather. Slick roads and limited visibility from rain, fog, or even sleet can cause rear-end accidents. While no one is liable for the weather, drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles in a safe manner, taking into account the weather and road conditions.
After an accident, first report the accident and wait for emergency responders. When you are able to leave the scene after providing a police report, it is crucial that you get medical care. This is important even if you get emergency medical care at the scene, as a medical professional may find additional injuries, and it provides more documentation of your injuries. For anyone involved in a crash, knowing the important things to do after a car accident in New Orleans can make a significant difference in protecting both your health and your claim.
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Peyton Murphy
Peyton Murphy, a Louisiana lawyer with 30+ years of experience, specializes in personal injury cases. He founded Murphy Law Firm in Baton Rouge in 1993 and fights for his clients’ compensation.
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FAQs
How Hard Is it to Win a Rear-End Car Accident Claim in New Orleans?
In New Orleans, every rear-end car accident claim is different, so many factors can make yours difficult or easy to win. It is easier to have a successful claim if there is a lot of evidence that supports your claim, including which party is liable and the injuries you sustained. If there isn’t much evidence and fault is contested, it is harder to get full compensation. When you hire a rear-end collision lawyer, it can be easier to have a successful case.
What Should You Not Say to an Injury Lawyer in New Orleans?
When you talk with an injury lawyer about a rear-end accident, you should be honest about your case and not hold back information. That way, your attorney can give a more accurate assessment of your case and whether it is likely that you can recover compensation. Be honest about the cause of the accident, how you were injured, the daily impact of those injuries, and other facts about the case.
Who Is Usually at Fault in a Rear-End Collision?
Every rear-end collision is different, so an investigation is needed to determine who is at fault in any particular case. While it is often the driver who rear-ended the other vehicle that is at fault, this is not always the case. The at-fault party in a rear-end accident is the driver or other party who acted negligently by breaching their duty of care, and this negligence caused the accident and resulting damages.
Reach Out to Murphy Law Firm – Hire a Rear-End Collision Lawyer Today
A rear-end car accident claim may be filed against a negligent driver, product manufacturer, or other party. A New Orleans rear-end collision attorney from our firm can help you determine who can be held liable for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. This compensation can help you move forward with your life. Contact us today.
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